Commissioners appoint state leader to Okla County Jail Trust

-- Major General (Ret) Michael C. Thompson appointed to Oklahoma County Jail Trust

February 27, 2023

Last Updated on February 27, 2023, 3:56 PM | Published: February 27, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma County Commissioners unanimously voted to appoint Maj. Gen. (Retired) Michael Thompson to an empty seat on the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority (Jail Trust) Monday.

Thompson’s appointment fills the at-large vacancy left by Adam Luck’s resignation last month.

The vote was taking place at almost the same time Monday that yet another detainee died, this time at the hospital from a long-term illness.

It was a stark reminder of the many issues before the Trust moving forward into the new year.

District 2 Commissioner Brian Maughan made the nomination, saying that he has had conversations with Thompson and that Thompson has expressed interest and willingness to serve in this capacity.

District 3 Commissioner Myles Davidson said, “As I discussed with [new Trust member Steven] Buck, and talked to some others, two generals kept coming up… General Thompson would be a great addition to this, with his correctional background when he was head over the Department of Public Safety, he just brings a wealth of knowledge.”

District 1 Commissioner Carrie Blumert said that Steven Buck had reached out to her about Thompson. “He said that he was excited to see this name come before us. He was supportive.”

Thompson does indeed have a highly polished resume. For executive experience Thompson lists

1 year as Oklahoma Cabinet Secretary for the Military
7 years as Oklahoma Cabinet Secretary of Safety and Security
7 years as Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety
4 years as The Adjutant General – Oklahoma National Guard
1 year as Deputy Director of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations.

Thompson holds a number of military decorations, and was an Oklahoma State Trooper for 28 years. (See his full resumé below)

Tim Tardibono, Executive Director of the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Advisory Council (CJAC), released the following statement:

CJAC is grateful that the Board of County Commissioners unanimously appointed Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Michael Thompson as the newest Trustee, strengthening the Jail Trust to its full complement of 9 Trustees. Thompson brings a wealth of experience and accomplishments to the role. His extensive military background will be an asset as he evaluates top personnel decisions and other operational challenges facing the detention center. We are grateful for his service so far in his career and thank him for his willingness to continue that public service by serving on the Trust Authority. CJAC is ready and available to assist Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Thompson as he begins working with the other Trustees to make important decisions in this new year.

A notable moment in Thompson’s recent career courted controversy.

At an event to commemorate the centennial of the Greenwood Race Massacre in Tulsa, Thompson offered a heartfelt apology for the role of the Oklahoma National Guard during that terrible occasion.

“We can debate what the guard did 100 years ago, but there’s no room for debate for what the guard did not do. And what the guard didn’t do is protect this community,” Thompson said.

“And we didn’t stop you from fleeing here for your life. And some people never returned. So, because I am the adjutant general today and I do represent the guard, and you are here as representatives of that horrific event, I want to give you my heartfelt and most sincere apology for our unwillingness to do the right thing 100 years ago,” Thompson said.

Thompson communicated to the Commissioners and to Mr. Tardibono that he has a prior obligation on the day of the next Jail Trust meeting, and will be unable to attend that, but moving forward will schedule these things with consideration for attending those important meetings.